Sunset Football Club had plenty to be proud of last season – and their success has continued this term too.
The women’s team won the inaugural President’s Cup at the TE McField Annex on Ash Wednesday, defeating Future Sports Club 4-0 after extra time.
The score was 0-0 after 90 minutes and although Future looked slightly fresher for the extra session, Sunset were the far stronger finishers with strikes by Kathleen Williams in the 94th minute, Elena Testori (99th) and (108th) and Jennifer Cotarelo (119th).
On reflection, the young Future side did exceptionally well. Sunset are undefeated so far this season in all league and cup games and, having conceded only two goals in nine games going into the final, they were fairly confident of maintaining that run.
That said, Sunset knew Future would be well prepared as their coach Olsen Bush puts a lot of thought into his tactics and formations.
Both teams play a similar style of passing football so it was nicely set up for a good game and spectators were not disappointed.
Sunset dominated possession and territory in the first half but did not create many clear chances.
Future put a lot of bodies behind the ball when Sunset were attacking, which made it difficult for them to break through.
The heat also played a part as Sunset’s passing and movement was too slow at times. They also lost inspirational captain Gisela “GG” Gamba midway through the first half to injury.
Future came into the game more in the second half for a 25 minute spell but Sunset still had two great chances to score. Future’s Marissa McLaughlin, Sheila O’Connor and Shenel Gall did well but that vital goal did not materialize.
Sunset coach Alan Purvis said, “I thought we grew in strength again as the half wore on but we couldn’t find a winner and Future were always a threat on the counter attack.
“We were still confident going into extra time and we made a couple of tactical switches. These paid instant dividends as we scored a great goal two minutes into extra time through Kathleen Williams.”
This really opened up the game as Future had to attack. They had a great chance to tie the game within a couple of minutes but Sunset got a lucky break when they hit the inside of the post and they managed to scramble it away.
After that Sunset hit two clinical strikes from centre forward Testori, a former pro in Italy.
The fourth goal from Cotarelo with a minute to go really put the gloss on the performance. Those that came off the bench made a big contribution, with Caron Murphy claiming three assists for the four goals in extra time and young Natalie Simpson causing problems for the Future defense with her runs and pace.
It was a polished, disciplined and determined performance by Sunset and the whole squad played their part in what was our biggest ever cup final winning margin.
Credit does go to Future for a battling performance, but overall Sunset were worthy winners.
Sunset have played Future twice in the league so far this season. The first game, early in the season, was a fortunate 1-0 win with a late goal by Natalie Simpson, when Future were probably the slightly better side that day.
In the second game, Sunset dominated the first half and took at 2-0 lead to half time. In the second half, Sunset lost two key defenders to injury and had to reshuffle the team but they still won without fuss.
Sunset were league and FA Cup champs last term. Purvis believes they can win all three trophies this time.
“We are going to have a real good go at winning all three but don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves,” he said.
“We have a healthy eight point lead at the top of the table with five games to go. If we keep up our current form, then we have a great chance of winning the league for the second year running.
“We do have a number of injury concerns to some key players that will add extra challenges between now and the end of the season. Hopefully, with the strong squad we have, we will be able to manage those losses and it does give other squad members the opportunity for more playing time.”
One of the main factors of Sunset’s success has been the connection and understanding between their midfield who have really dominated games. Their defensive play has also been very strong and their keeper does not have many shots to save.
Sunset men’s team were promoted to the Premier League last summer and are doing exceptionally well, so spirits are high at the club.
“We are a very disciplined unit and are very hard to break down,” Purvis said. “We have a lot of strength in attacking positions and good options when we need to make changes. The coaching team of Danny Tathum, Trev Murphy and myself put a lot of thought, time and effort into training sessions and winning trophies makes the sacrifice all the more worthwhile.”
Sunset have never finished lower than third going back to when there used to be six women’s teams. They have won the league twice and are on course for a third title this season.
They have won the FA Cup three times and been beaten finalists twice – both to Women United, who no longer exist.
“So when you look at it, Sunset have arguably been the top women’s side and most consistent team over the last few years. Others come and go but we are always there or thereabouts.”
The score was 0-0 after 90 minutes and although Future looked slightly fresher for the extra session, Sunset were the far stronger finishers with strikes by Kathleen Williams in the 94th minute, Elena Testori (99th) and (108th) and Jennifer Cotarelo (119th).
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